leFlex 1.7 adds new cross-platform support functions. DBInitPlatform and
DBClosePlatform provide a common source code initialization environment
across platforms. DBPlatform returns a string describing the platform currently
running. DBConvertCRLF provides text conversion support for those special
instances where the line-termination needs to be customized for either Macintosh
or Windows.
12-15% Overall Improvement in Speed
FileFlex, overall, is 12-15% faster across all function calls. Your scripts
that make repeated, looped calls to FileFlex will see a substantial speed
boost.
Better Support for Director Users
FileFlex 1.7 now provides better support for Director users. New features
include a full set of descriptive FileFlex DBxxx wrapper scripts (so you
no longer need to remember the direct FileFlex function code!), a Director-based
FileFlex Test Bench, and a VIDEO.DIR tutorial created by a generous FileFlex
customer.
Single Code Resource Module
In prior FileFlex releases (on the Macintosh), the FileFlex engine was actually
delivered as a set of six code resources: an XFCN and five CODE resources.
There were two major disadvantages to this. The first was that the resources
were often installed incorrectly, causing nasty problems. The second was
that each call to FileFlex resulted in the loading and unloading of six
resources. FileFlex 1.7 resolves this under both Macintosh and Windows.
FileFlex 1.7 implements the database engine as a single resource (an XFCN
on Macintosh and a DLL on Windows). This provides increased reliability
and performance improvements because FileFlex 1.7 now loads 1/6 of the number
of resources it did previously.
Updated Online Guide
We're keeping with plan and updating the online guide to reflect new features,
answers to commonly asked questions, and new things we've learned about
using FileFlex. Plus, this version adds completely new chapters. Be sure
to scan the new guide carefully for information you need!
Fixed Bugs
Fixed numerous minor bugs and a rather nasty one where retrieving data from
a database with the direct global option didn't deallocate a handle and
thereby caused a creeping memory leak.
FileFlex 1.6 Release Notes
The features in FileFlex 1.6 are the direct result of online discussions
with FileFlex users. This is a great example of the value of two-way communication
between software manufacturers and users. Thanks for all the feedback!
Compiler Version
FileFlex has been ported from Think C 6.0.1 to Think C 7.0.3. This was not
nearly the porting effort required to move from FileFlex 1.3.7 (written
with Think C 4.0) to FileFlex 1.5 (written in Think C 6.0.1). Even so, you
should know that we're very carefully watching the action in the compiler
business and are considering moving to Metrowerks for future versions. Note:
We've done more PowerMac testing and while FileFlex 1.6 is still not av